Chinese (Languages Teaching)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what addition to public funds is involved in the establishment of a school for teaching of Cantonese in Edinburgh; and whether this and the proposed introduction of classes in Mandarin will be affected by the reductions in public expenditure.

I am not aware of any proposal to establish such a school. I understand that for a number of years the Chinese community in Edinburgh have been running their own weekend classes in Cantonese for Chinese children and that this year they are hoping to introduce a class in Mandarin. These classes have previously been held in local authority premises and the Chinese community are negotiating with the Lothian Regional Council for the use of suitable premises for the 1976–77 session. It is for local authorities themselves to decide where any cuts in expenditure should take place and I am unable, therefore, to say whether the arrangements for teaching Cantonese and Mandarin in Edinburgh will be affected by the reductions in public expenditure.